The LSU softball team will play host to the National Pro Fastpitch All-Star team Friday at Tiger Park in what will be a matchup between two of the most prolific pitchers in program history.
LSU senior pitcher Rachele Fico will represent the home team in the circle Saturday against the NPF All-Stars. Fico notched a career-best 1.20 ERA last season, 14 wins against 10 losses and 221 strikeouts in 230.1 innings of work.
Fico’s counterpart in the circle will be former Tiger Brittany Mack — No. 1 overall pick by the USSSA Pride during the 2012 National Pro Fastpitch Draft — who finished her LSU career with a 56-26 record, a paltry 1.96 ERA and 602 strikeouts.
“It’s something the fans have been wanting,” said LSU coach Beth Torina. “Mack versus Fico. Let’s do it.”
The duo propelled the Tigers to their first Women’s College World Series berth since 2004 last season, but they will be in different dugouts Saturday.
“It’s going to be weird going up against her and having to face her,” Fico said. “I’ve never wanted to go up against her because she’s so talented, and she has some of the best breaking pitches I’ve ever seen. Lucky for me, I’m not a hitter, and I don’t have to face her.”
LSU junior infielder Allison Falcon said she hit against Mack in scrimmages and practice during the All-American’s time as a Tiger, but that doesn’t mean Mack’s former teammates will know exactly what to expect Saturday.
“Brittany Mack, when she gets on the field and puts that uniform on, she’s a completely different person,” Falcon said. “I’m really excited to see it and to compete against the best, and Brittany Mack is one of the best.”
The game will be the Tigers’ final fall exhibition after going 7-0 in a fall schedule that got started Oct. 6.
Torina said playing the NPF All-Star team will be a good learning experience for her team, especially for the newest Tigers.
“I think it’ll be neat for the freshmen to get to see that type of experience and to be on the same field with those type of players,” Torina said. “It’s a really special thing and a neat experience to get to be with the best of your game and to get to compete against them.”
First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday at Tiger Park, and admission is free.
